I have heard it said, “coincidences are God’s appointment book.

Have you noticed that when you are keeping your priorities right, keeping your focus on God and his will, things that seem like random circumstances bring us into contact with someone who is just the right connection for something on which we are working; or we run across someone who needs just the experience or expertise that we have.

Acts 8 tells the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian. After Jesus had risen, and ascended, the disciples become inspired by the Holy Spirit to split up and begin telling the good news to people everywhere. Phillip goes to Samaria and while there he is led to help an Ethiopian official understand some prophesies in Isaiah. Philip uses this opportunity to tell the Ethiopian the Good News about Jesus.

Acts 8:29 says, “The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” and verses 34-38, “The Ethiopian asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the Ethiopian said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.”

It is interesting to note that Ethiopia has a population of about 100 million people today, and the population is over 60% Christian. Could this have been a result of this witness by Philip?

Dear Lord, You are always working through us and others to complete your plan. Help us realize your work in the coincidences that occur in our lives, and look for the reason, and our role in the plan. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have written in the past about how each of us has a calling, a mission, that God has put us on. We go about our daily lives pursuing our occupations, responsibilities and hobbies, and if we keep God the priority in our life, he is directing us.

Proverbs 16:3 is a great passage to memorize and ties in with this concept. it says, “Commit your actions to the Lord , and your plans will succeed.”

When we say, “this is what I am trying to accomplish Lord, but let me do your will not mine,” we are committing our actions to the Lord. He promises our plan’s will succeed, which will ultimately be the plans he is using us to accomplish.

Dear Lord, Thank you for directing our activities toward success in the calling you have given us. Help us always begin our days and tasks by asking for your direction and guidance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

I have always read this text and thought about it in the big picture, how over the long term God is directing our steps, through our careers relationships and major parts of our lives, and I still believe this.

Recently, however, I have felt how this promise occurs in day to day life. Amidst those hectic times, trying to juggle work, chores, shuttling children around, business trips, sports, church, social events, and our finances, if we take time out to say a prayer, keep God’s will in the front of our mind, and not worry, things tend to orient themselves and work out.

I have noticed many times, the unexpected “inconveniences” do not turn out to be the problem we feared they would.

We have to believe that God is involved in the daily events of our lives, in order to see it happen.

Dear Lord, thank you for your promise to lead us through life’s maze. Help us delight in you so that we can have the peace that trusting you provides. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

At the end of most worship services, the Pastor sends the congregation out with a blessing. The blessing often used is from Numbers 6 where God tells Moses how this blessing should go. You have probably heard these words many times. Verses 24-26 say, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” ESV

In the Living Bible, verse 27 says, “This is how Aaron and his sons shall call down my blessings upon the people of Israel; and I myself will personally bless them.”

We need to remember these amazing words when receiving this blessing. God said, “and I myself will personally bless them.” What a comfort this can be to those who believe, that God has personally blessed each of us.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the blessing of your love and care for each of us. Help us live lives in bold faith, knowing that you are always there to guide and protect us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There have been times in my life where things have been so overwhelming and outside my control that I just finally throw my hands up and say, “God, I don’t know how this is going to work, but please take over.”

When I do, things seem to turn out fine. Things work out, and usually it doesn’t seem so overwhelming afterward.

My challenge for myself, and for you, is to do the same when things are going well. This is really how God wants us to live. He wants us to surrender to his power, and just as importantly, to his love, trusting in him rather than ourselves. When we do, we are giving him the opportunity to demonstrate himself in our lives.

Psalm 31:19 says, “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”

Dear Lord, If we truly believe you had the power to create the entire universe, how can we not live in awe of you. Help us surrender our will and plans to you in our thoughts, and trust that you will demonstrate your power and love in our lives, showing us the abundant good things you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.